Speaking through his spokesman Kibisu Kabatesi, Mudavadi said Kenyans would not want to witness the problems that marred the 2007 elections. “It is disheartening that a simple exercise is marred in controversy. One hopes there are no hidden forces out to sabotage the elections,” Mudavadi said.
He added: “We must have learnt from the ECK mess that drove the country to the brink of collapse in 2008. There should be no favours in this exercise.”
Huge responsibility
Eldoret North MP William Ruto said IEBC has a huge responsibility, as it will be managing Kenya’s first election after the disputed 2007 poll conducted by a body that had serious credibility challenges. “ IEBC must by all means avoid precipitating another situation like what we saw in 2007. Signals being sent out the confusion are not helping in creating the confidence required of an electoral body,” Ruto said.
Ruto went on: “The tendering process has serious credibility and transparency issues, and IEBC must not let the country down. The country is looking forward to a free, fair, and transparent elections in 2013.”
“ IEBC is required as a matter of law to hire a new chief executive, why has that not happened? What is the relation between the current confusion and failure to hire a CEO?” Ruto asked.
Prime Minister Raila Odinga went for a neutral position by appealing for calm, while arguing IEBC was capable of resolving the matter.
“The Prime Minister believes IEBC is a competent body that should deal with the issue in a competent way and, therefore, there should be no cause for alarm,” Raila said through his spokesman Dennis Onyango.
Planning Assistant Minister Peter Kenneth said IEBC should up its game because Kenyans want an “honest and transparent arbiters” in the elections.
Kenneth, who intends to vie for president on a Kenya National Congress ticket, said transparency in electoral processes was vital to eliminate any perceptions there may be plans to rig the poll.
James Kiyiapi, a former Permanent Secretary and presidential hopeful, said Hassan and IEBC Chief Executive Officer James Oswago should give the public clear updates on the electoral process to avoid unnecessary speculation.
“We need prompt, authoritative updates, and clarity on issues to avoid speculations. The wrangles and conflicting statements should end,” Prof Kiyiapi said.
